Tree planting ceremony marks Earth Day

Published: Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 8:47 p.m.

BUNNELL — Earth Day came a few days late in the county seat, but officials more than made up for the delay.

In addition to planting a Lehigh cypress, which will serve as a cornerstone of the city's holiday season celebration, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture presented a check for $4.8 million to assist with funding improvements to the city's water system.

"This is a wonderful day for the future of the citizens of Bunnell," said Mayor Catherine Robinson. "A lot of work has been done to make this day happen."

The USDA funds include a $3.4 million low-interest loan and a $1.4-million grant that will be used to build an ion exchange system at the city's water treatment plant.

"This is a dream come true for me because of the condition of the water and the problems we've had with it," Robinson said. "This project should be done next year."

Richard Machek, USDA Rural Development state director, said the agency is working with communities across the country to improve water and sewer systems.

"Bunnell is one of those cities, like a lot of old Florida communities, that are still like they were," Machek said. "You end up being a victim of surrounding communities."

Machek said the USDA is working to help communities upgrade water systems and said agency officials recognize the importance of a clean water supply.

"There's only one thing that sustains life on the Earth and that's water," he said. "What you're doing here is a big step for the future of Bunnell and its residents."

After formally signing the check and presenting it to city officials, Machek said the city is eligible for other funds.

<p>BUNNELL &mdash; Earth Day came a few days late in the county seat, but officials more than made up for the delay. </p><p>In addition to planting a Lehigh cypress, which will serve as a cornerstone of the city's holiday season celebration, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture presented a check for $4.8 million to assist with funding improvements to the city's water system. </p><p>"This is a wonderful day for the future of the citizens of Bunnell," said Mayor Catherine Robinson. "A lot of work has been done to make this day happen." </p><p>The USDA funds include a $3.4 million low-interest loan and a $1.4-million grant that will be used to build an ion exchange system at the city's water treatment plant. </p><p>"This is a dream come true for me because of the condition of the water and the problems we've had with it," Robinson said. "This project should be done next year." </p><p>Richard Machek, USDA Rural Development state director, said the agency is working with communities across the country to improve water and sewer systems. </p><p>"Bunnell is one of those cities, like a lot of old Florida communities, that are still like they were," Machek said. "You end up being a victim of surrounding communities." </p><p>Machek said the USDA is working to help communities upgrade water systems and said agency officials recognize the importance of a clean water supply. </p><p>"There's only one thing that sustains life on the Earth and that's water," he said. "What you're doing here is a big step for the future of Bunnell and its residents." </p><p>After formally signing the check and presenting it to city officials, Machek said the city is eligible for other funds. </p><p>"Don't feel like you've spent all our money," he said. "This area's still eligible." </p><p>Robinson said that news was "a real relief to me" and she assured Machek the city would be seeking additional assistance for other projects. </p><p>Immediately after the check presentation, city officials along with Machek and others helped throw some dirt on the cypress tree, planted in front of the Historic City Hall along U.S. 1. </p><p>City Commissioner Jenny Crain-Brady said the check presentation and tree planting marked an important step for the city. </p><p>"This is a good day in the city," she said. "We're 100 years old with 100-year problems and this is one of the solutions."</p>